Forensic Investigation of Concrete Pavement: U.S. 460, Appomattox Bypass

Report No: 06-R9

Published in 2005

About the report:

This report describes the investigation of structural failure in a section of the Appomattox Bypass along U.S. 460 in the town of Appomattox, Virginia. The bypass is a four-lane divided highway. The section that was investigated is an 11-year-old section of jointed plain concrete pavement located approximately between mile post 8.10 and mile post 8.35 in the eastbound lane. A forensic investigation was conducted to identify the causes of failure and determine reasonable remedial measures. The investigation included a visual condition survey, non-destructive testing, coring through pavement layers, and slab removal. Drainage problems, construction issues, and other pavement component issues were found with regard to this rigid pavement and led to the failure. Water trapped within the open-graded drainage layer aggravated the failure rate of the drainage layer abrading the underlying soil cement layer. As a remedial measure, the researchers suggested that the drainage function be restored, and the damaged pavement layers be repaired.

Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.

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Last updated: November 27, 2023

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